U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) spoke on the House floor today during debate on repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (H.R. 256).
A video of Cicilline’s remarks can be viewed by clicking the image below. A transcript is embedded at the end of this email.
David N. Cicilline
Repealing AUMF for Iraq
June 14, 2021
Remarks As Delivered
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
And thank you, Madam Speaker for your longtime advocacy on this very important issue. Your leadership on the fundamental question of the role of Congress in matters of war has been unwavering, and we owe you a debt of gratitude for your commitment to bringing this issue to the forefront.
Nearly two decades ago, Congress passed a resolution authorizing military force against the Iraqi Regime of Saddam Hussein.
That resolution was aided in its passage by deeply flawed intelligence that we now know had no basis in fact.
It has been 18 years since Saddam Hussein was deposed.
It’s been a decade since United States declared a formal end to operations in Iraq.
The Iraqi Government is a regional partner and the UN Security Council Resolutions referenced, have been fulfilled.
There is no reason to allow the 2002 AUMF to stand.
It does not enhance our national security.
It does not make Americans any safer.
It does not make the mission of our men and women in uniform any easier.
We must act so that Congress, again, asserts its responsibility in authorizing war.
So I urge my colleagues to adopt the rule and HR 256.
And again thank the speaker, Congresswoman Lee for her extraordinary leadership and with that, I yield back.
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